Patient Care Technician - PACU

Join the PACU team at UPMC Hamot and play an essential role in supporting patients during their surgical journey. This position provides care for patients during the pre-operative phase, ensuring safety, comfort, and exceptional clinical outcomes throughout their experience.

About the Role

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works under the direction of a Registered Nurse to provide direct patient care and support services. In this role, you will assist patients with activities of daily living, perform clinical support tasks, monitor patient status, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the department.
Title and salary will be determined based upon education and experience.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Escorting and assisting patients to the pre-operative area
• Obtaining and documenting vital signs and patient measurements
• Performing pre-operative CHG treatments and surgical skin preparations as directed
• Ensuring patients are prepared and ready for scheduled procedures
• Assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living
• Supporting physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary care activities
• Reporting changes in patient condition and providing feedback to the Registered Nurse

Patient Care

• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care while maintaining patient dignity, comfort, and safety.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulation, repositioning, and transportation.
• Obtain and document vital signs, intake and output, weights, blood glucose testing, specimen collections, and Foley catheter care.
• Assist with patient transfers and intra-hospital transportation.
• Apply, monitor, and remove restraints in accordance with hospital policy and provider orders.
• Provide patient and family education under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

Clinical Support

• Perform unit-specific clinical skills and advanced tasks based on departmental needs, including:
  • Phlebotomy/venipuncture
  • 12-lead EKGs
  • Simple dressing changes
  • Foley catheter removal
  • Straight catheterization
  • Bladder scanning
  • Point-of-care testing
  • Peripheral IV removal
  • Basic arrhythmia monitoring
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Accurately document patient information in the electronic medical record according to established procedures.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, nurses, providers, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Establish and maintain professional, respectful working relationships with colleagues across departments.
• Respond promptly to patient requests, call lights, and departmental needs.
• Assist with unit operations, including answering telephones, passing meal trays, and supporting patient flow initiatives.

Quality & Professional Development

• Adhere to all hospital, departmental, and patient care policies and procedures.
• Support quality improvement projects, patient safety initiatives, and department goals.
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Identify educational needs and seek opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Participate in self-evaluations and performance improvement activities as requested.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of patient and employee safety.
• Comply with standard precautions, infection prevention standards, and all safety protocols.
• Report equipment concerns or malfunctions promptly to the appropriate department.
• Demonstrate awareness and respect for cultural diversity and maintain a professional, inclusive work environment.

Why Join PACU at UPMC Hamot?

Our PACU team provides care to patients across a wide range of surgical specialties. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while helping patients feel prepared, supported, and safe throughout their surgical experience. You'll be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional patient care and clinical excellence.